What Makes a Good Shave?

It is common to see men who have been shaving for years but still don’t know how to get a perfect shave. For this category of men, it is more of trial and error to get a good shave. Understanding the shaving techniques is one great way to have a perfect shave consistently. Here are five things you should consider and practice to give you that perfect shave next time.

Timing is EveryThing

For most men, shaving is done in the morning when they are about to rush out for an appointment. Obviously, this would mean they would have to rush through the shaving. Most of these men will be plagued with skin irritations but may keep blaming it on the razors. Take time out to prep the face and hairs before shaving.

Never Underestimate the Power of a Good Shaving Cream

Wet shaving has become the best way to shave with razors – whether you agree to it or not. One of the most important tools in wet shaving is the shaving cream. A good shaving cream comes with all necessary ingredients and nutrients to help soften your hair. It does far more than just creating lubrication for the razor.

The Wonders of a Badger Shaving Brush

A shaving cream, especially the ones in a jar – can only be effectively applied with the aid of a shaving brush. The badger shaving brush is the best because of the intrinsic characteristics of the badger hair.

Using a Good Razor

The next thing you will need to get is a good DE razor. If all the previous factors are provided and an average razor is used, the shave will not be perfect. A good DE razor doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. There are affordable razors in the market today like then Vikings Blade.

Vikings Blade Review

My granddaughter got me the Vikings Blade for my last birthday. She knows I have a think for shaving but has been preaching the safety blade sermon for a very long time. I've always loved my cartridge razor (I still do) but I have to admit the safety razor is just out of this world. Using it for the first time, I could tell the difference because it left my skin smoother than the cartridge razor. I was a bit nervous because of the sharpness of the blade but I didn't get cut; yet to get cut.

I love the fact that it is a single blade. Thinking back on how much I've spent on cartridge razor blades since I started shaving just leaves me nauseous. The product is beautiful to look at with its chrome-like appearance. I like the fact that it is heavy as I was thinking these new generation tools are always lightweight. To the makers of the Vikings Blade, I would say they did a nice job. Thanks for leaving me with an amazing safety razor shaving experience.

My Review of the Vikings Blade

I got the product some few weeks ago and I feel it would be great injustice not to add my reviews to the others. The review is based on my personal experience with the product. So here it is:

Design

I totally love it! It comes with a chrome plating coating which gives it this shining metallic appearance. It has a large butterfly head that makes it easy to change blades.

Size

The product is a heavyweight razor at a weight of 85g. It comes with a classic handle at a length of 3.75".

Aggressiveness

The product comes with a moderate aggressive shaving power. Since I have been using it, I haven't experienced any cuts while shaving. The razor gives very smooth and even shaves. I do not have to run the razor through an area severally before getting a good shave.

While all those can serve as my Pros for the product, I do have two cons I observed personally.

Handle Length

I have read that the handle is right and perfect but having used the product, I can't totally agree. I have big hands and this makes it a bit stressful using the product from a long time. My wrist tires out on time. Maybe I'll eventually get used to it or maybe not.

Extra Blades

While I am appreciative of the fact that the product comes with extra blades, it would have been nice if the blades were really very sharp. Apart from the blades, the razor itself has got no problem. Anyways if you don't like the blades, then you can easily go out and buy new ones - they're very cheap.

Read it Also: The Aggressiveness of a Double Edge Razor

The Vikings Blade vs Lord L6

This is yet another comparison between two less expensive double edge razors. Both products have enjoyed lots of positive reviews and ratings by customers on Amazon.

Design

The Vikings Blade is produced in Australia with high quality materials from Germany and Sweden. The product is chrome plated and has a very attractive look to it. It is a short handled razor and is quite hefty because of its heavyweight of about 85g.

The Lord L6 is produced in Egypt and is one of the top less expensive double edge razors. The product comes with a chrome plated head and an aluminum handle. Undoubtedly, it is a beauty to behold. It is a long handle double edge razor at 4.33" and has a weight of about 48g. This makes it fall under the lightweight category.

Accessories

The Vikings Blade comes along with 5 extra blades for a remarkable shaving experience. The product also comes with a travel case to keep users on the go. Just for that additional comfort and satisfaction, the travel case has a mirror attached. The Lord L6 doesn't seem to come with any other accessories besides the razor itself. All other additional accessories need to be bought with it.

Unique Feature

TheVikings Blade has the new advanced butterfly head that allows for quick and easy blade change. The product also has a micro-comb attached to the head that helps eliminate cuts while shaving. The Lord L6 is a 3 piece model double edge razor. This means the head has to be unscrewed for the blades to be changed.

Read Also: 

The Vikings Blade Razor vs Merkur 38HD

"Futur" Safety Razor By Merkur - Imbalanced, uneven blade gaps, slippery...

After seven months with this razor I wanted to report back to the community what's going on with this unit.
PROS:
-Beautiful
-Adjustable blade to allow for either closeness or higher blade tension to cut course beards

CONS:
- The spring or tension device puts inconsistent pressure on the blade causing the razor blade to warp and leave gaps. Gaps equals nicks, cuts, and uneven trims. This is the single major flaw that is completely killing it for me and why I am replacing it.
- the satin finish is VERY slippery when wet. I still don't feel confident handling it after 7 months.
- Feels unbalanced. I cannot seem to get a comfortable angle to allow a good shave
- blade replacement feels mildly dangerous due to head design. You have to pop the top with your thumb and it typically causes the blade to eject since it's sprung from tension.

I REEEEALLLLY wanted to love this razor but it has some major flaws. I could live with the "cons" above except for the fact that it doesn't adjust the blade as intended...and this is the whole selling point of the product! Please be mindful of the really high scores given to this product and you'll see that these are early life scores versus those that owned the product a while. Many are reporting the finish is wearing off and some had ER visits after cutting themselves with the somewhat poor head design.

Merkur needs to redesign this product and then I think they would have a homerun. But for now, I would firmly talk everyone out of this product until issues are solved.

Read about  Vikings Blade: 

Groom That Beard Perfectly With the Vikings Blade Safety Razor

The Viking Blade

I came across the Vikings Blade razor for the first time when I was looking to buy razor blades for my Edwin Jagger. Usually I don't stop to check for extra products or related products but the ratings on it caught my attention. It was when a friend of mine was talking about it; I took an interest in the product. I have to admit that the Vikings Blade is one of a kind. The blade is super sharp but isn't as aggressive as my Edwin Jagger. After several weeks of using the product, I have no phobia of cuts or bumps.

I like the weight as it feels hefty and allows me to control every stroke of the razor. I also like the fact that it is a short handle razor. I feel this creates a good grip for me to hold the razor. The extra 5 blades are just additional blessings for me, considering the amount I saved because of it. In case you are still in doubt, the razor sells below $100. This is the part that gets to me every time I think about it! If a double edge razor can sell this low, why would anyone still bother about buying those expensive razors? Anyways, I highly recommend the product to anyone out there looking for a good double edge razor.

Vikings Blade Safety Razor Review

If you have ever used a normal TTO (Twist to Open) in the past and got your hands on a Vikings Blade, you would know the true meaning of simplicity. The Vikings Blade is all there is to a great double edge razor. I have read many reviews but still haven't been able to get a good con for the product. This is just my first month with the product and I promise to update as soon as I observe the first con.

To me I think the design is elaborate and beautiful enough. The chrome plating makes it feel like you are holding a sword; a very short sword. The butterfly head is also included which makes it easy to change blades. I fell in love with the butterfly head when I first saw it in a previous brand I used. I think it's a great evolution in the razor industry.

The product is hefty and has just the right handle length for a good grip. The blades fit properly in the head and allows for a close shave. I have not had any cuts or bruises since I started using the product. The inclusion of 5 unbranded blades makes a good alternative to buying blades almost immediately.

The Vikings Blade is A Better Improvement for Me

I have used several other double edge brands in the pasts. Mostly because I have a sensitive skin and usually have bumps on my face after shaving. Before buying the Vikings Blade by Julian Vue, the longest I have ever used a product was for about 4 months. Surprisingly I had no problem with that product until I decided to purchase extra blades when the one it came with got exhausted.

It's been 8 months 2 weeks since I started using the Vikings Blade. I don't think I have had any issue with it other than getting use to its handle size. I got really big hands and my previous razor was long handled. Adjusting took me some weeks. While I had the best of shaves, I needed to take breaks so my hand will rest a bit. Right now I can say that I and the Vikings Blade is a match made in heaven.

This is by far the best double edge razor I have ever used since I started needing it. Shave is close and smooth. The razor is generally heavy weight and allows for a firm grip. The butterfly head allows me change blades quickly even during shaves. Simply put, you have to experience the Vikings Blade for you to truly understand what any of these reviews are talking about.

Find out the product on Amazon and Website

The Vikings Blade Reaches Out to Charities

There are quite a lot of companies involved in one charitable project or the other. It is one of the numerous ways of giving back to the society. In today's world, there are quite a lot of things to help out with and company behind the Vikings Blade product has decided to reach out a helping hand.

Sometime ago, the company published its sales volume report of the success of the Vikings Blade in the international market. News on the street has it that the company owners have decided to give out a percentage of that profit to help promote some charities. While details of the exact charities that the donations would be made to have not yet been released, it is speculated it could be either health or environmental charities or a combination of both.

With sales volume of 100,000 units sold in the North American markets alone, the Vikings Blade is the top selling product of the company. With this move to supporting charities, the company may be looking to starting off its own charity in the nearest future.

Website: www.julianvue.com/

I Had My Doubts with the Vikings Blade

Right from the first time I started shaving, I have had one skin reaction or an annoying cut after another. I have switched razor so many times too numerous to count. So whenever I see reviews of some top brands, I often wonder if I am the unlucky one. The Vikings Blade to me was just another double razor trying to promote its brand.

While I saw excellent reviews, I pushed them off as paid reviews especially because I don't believe any product could be that perfect. I purchased the product and didn't start using it for about 3 days after it arrived. My very first impression was that it was heavyweight. This gave me some level of confidence in the strength. I do have large and big hands so I it took me a while to get use to the short handle, especially because my last shaving stick was a long handle. Using the Vikings Blade was just simply amazing. The butterfly head allows for very close shaving also. Generally, I am impressed with the product. 

Vikings Blade vs Merkur 34C

The Merkur 34C is an upgrade from the previous products. Matching it side by side with the Vikings Blade by Julian Vue the latter still compares favorably to it. The Vikings Blade has enjoyed tremendous reviews in recent times to this effect.

Design

Materials used in the construction of the Vikings Blade are all premium quality Swedish materials. This makes the product super strong and durable. The razor is quite hefty at a weight of 85g but not a long handled razor like some others. It comes at a length of 3.75" which puts it at an average length.

The Merkur 34C is a beautifully designed razor made and finished with chrome materials. It is a heavy duty razor with great shaving power. It comes with a length of about 3" and is shorter than the Vikings Blade but with an extra thick handle.

Accessories

The Vikings Blade comes with a travel case which has a mirror imbedded in it and also 5 super sharp unbranded blades. These unbranded blades are coated with platinum; this makes them super strong and durable. The Merkur 34C doesn't come with accessories and would have to be purchased separately.

Awards

The Vikings Blade was recently voted as the Most Wished For product on amazon and also has been rated as one of the Top 3 bestselling product on the same site.

The Merkur 34C too has had its fair share of fame as it was voted World's Best Razor in both 2011 and 2013 by About.com Reader's Choice Award.

Viking Blade Safety Razor Review - Solid, Shaves well, Protective

I started off safety shaving with a dollar-store knock-off of Weishi (and to think Weishi is a knock off of the old Gilette). Pretty good I must say, aside from the occasional nicks. Then I was surfing the edwin jagger and merkur when I chanced upon this product. The micro-comb lines were what pushed me to make the purchase, seeing how I want to enjoy the experience of wet shaving, but am usually half awake during my morning shave (and hence prone to nicking myself when I lose my attention).

When the product came, I immediately appreciated the heft. Feels like a solid tool which you will be using for many years to come. Good stuff. Then came the test. I mounted the blade, placed the razor gently on my cheek, and shaved. I could immediately feel the protectiveness of the blade, which makes the shave 'milder' if you use your usual shaving angle. The trick here is to adjust your angle such that you can feel the shave, yet not feel like the blade is going to cut you anytime. Good BBS shave all the way.

Excited by this product, I thought of giving myself an upgrade with an edwin jagger 89. Ouch. Somehow the safety bar felt like it was cutting into my face, and I kept getting nicked no matter how I adjust my shaving angle. So much for getting an 'upgrade'

So as you may have guessed, I'm now back to this Vikings Blade. Gives me a good BBS shave, everytime.

(as a precautionary note, I must say that YMMV. Different safety razors give different shave even for the same blade. I also bought a blade sampler pack and am happy to settle with Astra blues as my go-to blades.)

highly recommended for shavers.

You can check out the product on Amazon and Julian Vue Website

Vikings blade Review

I switched over to shaving with a DE razor a few years ago and have never looked back. This is the 3rd DE razor I've owned since then (my first was an Edwin Jagger which I loved but lost on a business trip, and my second was some Handlebar brand razor that I haven't been too happy with). I ordered this razor based on the reviews and the product description and it not only came exactly as described but has exceeded my expectations. I even like it better than the Edwin Jagger razor I had.


Other reviewers have pointed out a lot of the advantages of this razor's design and I would second those advantages. I love the ease with which one can replace the blade, as well as the fact that the ends of the blade aren't exposed so you don't have to worry about nicking your nostrils. But most importantly, for reasons I don't fully fathom, it just gives me a great shave, and in less time and with fewer nicks than any other razor I've used. I'm completely sold and already have gifted one to a friend.

In terms of cons, there aren't any. Some people might have different design preferences... The razor seems sturdily constructed and the finish seems to be of good quality, although it may be a tiny bit on the shiny side. The handle isn't solid metal due to the opening/closing mechanism and so it's not a very heavy razor, which is totally fine, but the Edwin Jagger I used to have had a heft to it that some people might like.

Otherwise, the opening/closing mechanism seems a bit more elaborate than the typical razor where you unscrew the head, and it remains to be seen how well it holds up to use over the months and years ahead. I noticed a couple tiny crossbars on the underside of the head that seem to serve to stop the opening mechanism and hold the head in place, and one of them seems like it could possibly slip out at some point. But then again it might never slip out. And even if it does slip out after a few years, given the price, it would be well worth having to buy another. I could lose this or damage it before then, anyhow.

In summary, I love the razor and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone.

You can buy it on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011L8WJIA
You can buy it on Website too: http://www.julianvue.com